What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

John Mackey

American football player and tight end
Born
September 24th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Played in the National Football League as a tight end. Started career with the Baltimore Colts and later played for the New York Jets. Renowned for contributions to the game, particularly in the position of tight end. Key player in the Baltimore Colts' victory in Super Bowl V. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, recognizing a successful career and influence on the sport.

Continue Reading

Norman Foster Ramsey Jr.

Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physics recipient
Born
August 27th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 96 years old

Contributions to the field of physics included work on atomic beams and maser technology. Served as a professor at Harvard University, influencing generations of physicists. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1989 for contributions to the development of methods to use atomic fields to measure frequency, which became essential in atomic clocks.

Continue Reading

J. Ernest Wilkins Jr.

Nuclear scientist and engineer
Born
November 27th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1923, contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Earning a PhD in nuclear engineering, focused research on reactor design and radiation shielding in the 1950s. Served as an educator at several esteemed institutions, emphasizing the importance of mathematical applications in engineering. Actively involved in promoting science and technology, particularly among underrepresented groups in the field. Received recognition for efforts in nuclear safety and mathematical modeling.

Continue Reading

Georges Rivière

French actor in 'Les Enfants du Paradis'
Born
July 1st, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 87 years old

Active in the French film industry, achieved recognition through participation in notable cinematic works. Featured prominently in 'Les Enfants du Paradis', a film that is regarded as a classic of French cinema. Additionally worked in theater, contributing to various productions that showcased a range of talents. Rivière's career spanned several decades, significantly influencing French performing arts.

Continue Reading

Jerry Lawson

Electronic engineer and game cartridge inventor
Born
December 1st, 1940 84 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 71 years old

An electronic engineer and inventor, played a critical role in the development of video game technology. Created the first interchangeable video game cartridges for home video game consoles, which revolutionized the gaming industry. Worked at Fairchild Semiconductor, where contributed to the launch of the Fairchild Channel F, the first home console featuring removable cartridges. Later, founded his own video game company, which designed games for various platforms and focused on increasing diversity in the gaming industry.

Continue Reading

Anne Sharp

Soprano and actress in opera and film
Born
October 24th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 95 years old

A Scottish soprano and actress, gained recognition for performances in both opera and film. Engaged in the performing arts from an early age, demonstrated exceptional vocal talent and stage presence. Acted in a production of "The Merry Widow" and participated in numerous operatic presentations throughout her career. Contributed to radio and recordings, showcasing versatility as a performer. Continued to influence the arts community with performances that blended singing and acting.

Continue Reading

Dennis Ritchie

Computer Scientist, created C language
Born
September 9th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed significantly to computer science by creating the C programming language, a foundational language for modern software development. Co-developed the Unix operating system, which has influenced many others and led to the development of various programming innovations. Worked at Bell Labs, collaborating with other prominent scientists in the field. Authored several influential texts and guides on computer programming.

Continue Reading

Rick Coonce

American drummer for The Monkees
Born
August 1st, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 65 years old

Played drums for the pop-rock band The Monkees during the 1960s. Contributed to the band's sound on iconic tracks and albums, helping to shape the musical landscape of the era. Involved in various recording sessions and tours, significantly impacting the band's success and popularity. Continued to engage with music in later years, remaining active in the industry.

Continue Reading

Józef Życiński

Polish archbishop and philosopher
Born
September 1st, 1948 76 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 63 years old

An influential Polish archbishop and philosopher, served as the Archbishop of Lublin from 1997 until 2010. Engaged in theological discourse and was active in social and religious issues. Contributed significantly to discussions surrounding ethics, culture, and religion. Played a key role in fostering dialogue within the Church and between different faiths. Participated in various international conferences on philosophy and religion, promoting understanding and cooperation.

Continue Reading